Health · Reading practice · B1
Is walking the best exercise of all?
It is free, you can do it almost anywhere and you already know how. So why don’t we walk more?
By Levoop · 3-minute read · 271 words · Tap the underlined words to see what they mean
When people decide to get fit, they often think of gyms, running or difficult classes. But many doctors say that one of the best kinds of exercise is also the simplest: walking.
Walking is good for the heart, the and the bones. Regular walks can help people to control their and to sleep better at night. It is also good for the mind. Many people say that a walk helps them to feel calmer and to think more clearly, especially when they walk outside among trees and .
You have probably heard that everyone should walk 10,000 steps a day. In fact, this number was not first chosen by scientists. It became popular in Japan in the 1960s, partly because of an for a step counter. More recent studies suggest that health start with fewer steps than that, and that every extra walk helps. So if 10,000 feels like too much, don’t give up – any walking is better than none.
One big of walking is that almost anyone can do it. You don’t need special clothes or , and it is free. It is also gentle on the body, so the risk of is low.
The difficult part is finding the time. Experts suggest a few small changes. Get off the bus one stop early. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Go for a short walk after lunch, or with a friend while you walk instead of sitting in a café.
You don’t have to walk fast or far. The most important thing is to walk often – and to it.
Reading the News · levoop.com/reading-the-news/is-walking-the-best-exercise · More articles and Cambridge exam practice at www.levoop.com
